Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth or water
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 large cucumber, diced
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
4 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the quinoa: Combine rinsed quinoa and broth/water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for a few minutes, then slice against the grain.
Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and dried dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the bowls: Divide spinach among 4 serving bowls. Top with cooked quinoa, sliced chicken, diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
Drizzle generously with the lemon-herb vinaigrette before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, add a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds. Leftovers make excellent packed lunches, just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess. Feel free to add some crumbled feta cheese for an extra salty kick, or hummus for added creaminess and protein.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Healthy